Death in Dahlonega (A Trixie Montgomery Cozy Mystery Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

goodies. “I’ve got cheese crackers, trail mix, and some pretzels. What do you want?”
    She sat up on the bed. “I’ll take the pretzels and some cheese crackers if you have enough. Did you get me a diet drink?”
    As she reached for and slurped my soda, I breathed in relief. Nice to catch a glimpse of the old Dee Dee.
    Except for munching sounds, quietness enveloped the room as we sat on our respective beds. We made up for the dinner we didn’t feel like eating.
    I relinquished dibs on the bathroom to Dee Dee. Thirty minutes later, she stepped out, looking like the cat’s meow—literally. Dee Dee wore bright red pajamas covered with white cats. Those red pj’s on Dee Dee conjured up images of Mrs. Claus.
    Worried and completely worn out by the day’s adventures, I stumbled to the bathroom. The décor reminded me of my grandmother’s house, more utilitarian than glamorous. An antique chain dangled from the one lone bulb on the ceiling. A muslin cloth curtain hid the exposed pipes under the sink. In the corner of the room stood a claw foot tub, deep enough to get lost in, and I couldn’t wait to sink into a tub full of hot water and soak sore muscles wound tighter than an old pocket watch.
    Relaxed and ready for bed, I exited the small sanctuary. The cacophony of rattling sounds coming from Dee Dee alerted me she was either asleep or choking on something. Spying her a long moment, I decided she was asleep. I lay in my unfamiliar bed rehashing the events of the day. I wondered how in the world we got into this mess; worse yet, how in the world would we get out of it?
    Only a little while ago, the room seemed quaint and alive with history. Lying in the darkness, it seemed oppressive and full of unsettled ghosts. I tossed and turned as sleep eluded me, and stared into the black night for what seemed an eternity. My mind drifted into a dreamlike state.
    I stood in the town square. An angry mob was making its way to the courthouse. My heart rate accelerated as I realized they were headed for Dee Dee, who stood holding a pickaxe in her bloodied hands.
    The mob drew closer and closer, familiar as well as unfamiliar faces appeared. Sheriff Wheeler, Deputy Ray, Joyce, and her nephew, Leroy Roberts, stood out from the others. Contorted faces and furious, bulging eyes indicated they had not come to help.
    What was worse, a lifeless, pale, zombie form of John Tatum, with a gaping hole in his chest, led the pack. A devious grin covered his face.
    Death was closing in!

Chapter Five
    Seconds before death’s hand closed around my throat, I shot straight up, a scream on my lips. Darkness shrouded the eerily still room. Fear had drenched my night clothes in sweat as if I’d completed a mini-marathon.
    After a few breaths, the cobwebs cleared my mind. I strained to get my bearings in the unfamiliar surroundings, clutched the covers tight under my chin, and sent up a prayer. Please Lord, keep us from harm. May my sleep be free from nightmares.
    I fluffed up my pillows and lay down. Dee Dee’s familiar snores wafted from the next bed, and lulled me to sleep.
    Morning came way too soon.
    Dee Dee sat on her bed, legs crossed. “Trixie, please tell me I dreamed I found a dead man.” Her gaze pleaded for me to agree.
    “More like a nightmare. Let’s hope the sheriff has found the person responsible.” Images of the handsome Jake Wheeler flashed in my head. I smiled. After had Wade left me, I had thought I would never be able to admire another man. Moisture filled my eyes, and I blinked hard and changed the subject. “Are you hungry?”
    Dee Dee’s eyes lit up like a night star. “Is a black bear black?” She giggled at her own joke, and patted at her midsection. “Let’s go see what they have in the dining room. Those crackers are long gone.”
    Both dressed in slacks, short sleeve shirts, and comfortable shoes, Dee Dee and I prepared to meet the challenges of the day. The colorful combination of Dee Dee’s ensemble, next